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Marcelo Bielsa should look to hijack Southampton’s expected approach for Fulham star Marcus Bettinelli, as Leeds need to strengthen their goalkeeping options.
What’s the word?
Leeds are in need of a new ‘keeper with Bailey Peacock-Farrell falling out of favour with his Argentinean head coach in recent weeks.
Bielsa’s desire to drop the 25-year-old unfortunately came at the same time as Chelsea-loanee Jamal Blackman suffered a broken leg while playing for the Under 23s, forcing his return to London.
Burnley’s 32-year-old shot-stopper Tom Heaton and Newcastle’s Karl Darlow have both been linked with moves to Elland Road in recent weeks, but the option to consider is Fulham’s out-of-favour Bettinelli.
The 26-year-old is said to be open to leaving Craven Cottage having fallen behind Sergio Rico for a starting spot, and his uncertain future is alerting numerous clubs – including Southampton who may plot a move if Alex McCarthy leaves St Mary’s.
Bettinelli was instrumental in the Cottagers earning promotion out of the Championship last season, playing 29 of his side’s league fixtures, and the £3.6million rated ace, according to Transfermarkt, also received an England call-up under Gareth Southgate in September.
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The promise of first-team football
If Southampton were to lose McCarthy and lure Bettinelli to the south coast as his replacement, it is unlikely the Fulham shot-stopper would earn the number one jersey.
Alex Gunn, who signed in the summer for £13.5million, is the evident successor to his team-mate’s spot in the Saints starting XI, and left Manchester City in search of first-team football, which he is yet to see.
Leeds United, however, could promise Bettinelli the starting spot at Elland Road, and rest comfortably knowing their number one was safe between the sticks in a promotion-clinching side.
Moreover, Fulham’s former number one had the third highest percentage of clean sheets for goalkeepers with more than 10 appearances during his side’s play-off winning season – keeping the opposition out 12 times.
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